25 Easy Shrimp Recipes to Make for Dinner Tonight

Whip up dinner in 45 minutes or less!

Ranchero Shrimp in cast-iron skillet with side of rice, tortillas, and cilantro
Photo: Carson Downing

These easy shrimp recipes were handpicked by our editors, and they're set to become weeknight staples in your home. Each of the healthy shrimp dishes ahead—including shrimp tacos, scampi, stir-fry, and more—are made with fresh fruits and vegetables to crank up the nutrition and flavor. So take a break from chicken and try one of these recipes—which can be on your table in 45 minutes or less.

01 of 25

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry

Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Stir-Fry
Jason Donnelly

You don't have to wait all day for bright and bold flavors to develop. With this healthy shrimp stir-fry, the taste of Cajun cooking will hit your table in just 30 minutes. This entrée is loaded with stand-out ingredients: shrimp, andouille sausage, fresh okra, red bell pepper, and juicy grape tomatoes. Add thyme and Cajun seasoning, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a faster, more flavorful meal.

02 of 25

Weeknight Chorizo and Shrimp Paella

Chorizo and Shrimp Paella in pan
Blaine Moats

Don't be intimidated by cooking paella. This easy, healthy recipe puts the classic Spanish rice and seafood recipe within reach, even on the busiest of nights. Invest 30 minutes into dinner and you'll be treated to a skillet full of smoky chorizo, tender shrimp, peas, paprika-spiced rice, and more.

03 of 25

Cilantro-Shrimp Tacos

Cilantro Shrimp Tacos
Blaine Moats

We're always happy to see a colorful taco recipe join the dinner menu. A quick herb-spiked marinade gives the broiled shrimp filling bright, fresh flavors. A smear of guacamole and a handful of shredded cabbage helps these tacos stand out from the crowd.

04 of 25

Shrimp Scampi Pasta

shrimp-scampi-R090169
Blaine Moats

When it comes to pastas, this shrimp scampi recipe is among the most memorable—and delicious—ever to come out of our Test Kitchen. Take things up a notch by adding prosciutto, Roma tomatoes, and fresh herbs for seasoning.

05 of 25

Shrimp Fried Kohlrabi Rice

Shrimp Fried Kohlrabi Rice
Andy Lyons

Paleo-friendly fried rice? Yes, it now exists, thanks to this healthy dish that trades regular rice for vegetable "rice" made with shaved kohlrabi (a slightly sweet and peppery-flavored bulb that's a cousin to cabbage). This starch swap with shrimp, egg, mushrooms, and other vegetables sizzles up in just 30 minutes.

06 of 25

Shrimp Salad with Lime Dressing

Shrimp Salad with Lime Dressing
Blaine Moats

If you think the only way to get dinner on the table in less than 25 minutes is to hit the drive-through for fast food or heat up leftovers, this shrimp salad recipe will convince you otherwise. A short list of ingredients, mainly consisting of fresh vegetables (avocados, tomato, sweet onion, and cilantro), plus grilled shrimp and lime dressing, equals one surefire dinner superstar.

07 of 25

Shrimp Tacos with Lime Slaw

Shrimp Tacos with Lime Slaw
Blaine Moats

Just one glance at these zesty, healthy shrimp tacos has our stomachs growling. Give your shrimp a quick dip in a zesty marinade, then thread them onto skewers and get grilling. Serve these (almost) too good to be true tacos with homemade lime slaw, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squirt of lime juice.

08 of 25

Big Basil-Shrimp Chowder

Big Basil Shrimp Chowder
Andy Lyons

Yes, you can make a cozy chowder recipe quickly, and you can make it nutritious to boot. It takes only 40 minutes to stir together this soup, and it's loaded with fresh vegetables, including corn, celery, and green bell pepper. If you're a big fan of fresh basil, you can liven the recipe up by serving a few basil leaves atop each bowl.

09 of 25

Spicy Shrimp Pasta

Spicy Shrimp Pasta
Kritsada Panichgul

Zippy and zesty, we spiced up this healthy shrimp pasta recipe with jalapeño peppers to make it completely irresistible to fiery food lovers. Fresh, sautéed cherry tomatoes are the only sauce this simple recipe needs. Go ahead and put a pot of water on the stove now—this pasta entrée will be ready in just 30 minutes.

10 of 25

Teriyaki Shrimp and Noodle Stir-Fry

Teriyaki Shrimp and Noodle Stir-Fry
Andy Lyons

This healthy stir-fry smells so good while it's cooking, you might have to restrain yourself from nibbling before it's finished. Fresh green beans and pineapple make every bite juicy and fresh, and the shrimp and udon noodles are more than able to hold their own. If you want to give your stir-fry some crunch, sprinkle on dry roasted peanuts and serve.

11 of 25

Seared Shrimp Salad with Wok Dressing

Seared Shrimp Salad with Wok Dressing
Andy Lyons

Watch out, takeout—this homemade shrimp salad is about to overtake your turf. Glazed with a dressing inspired by stir-fry, and served on a bed of lettuce, radishes, and avocado, this fresh main-dish salad can be a light and easy entrée any night of the week. Ready in just 25 minutes, this healthy dinner is even faster than delivery.

12 of 25

Shrimp and Tomato Piccata

Shrimp and Tomato Piccata
Scott Little

No chicken piccata today; we're all about shrimp here! Classic Italian piccata ingredients, including lemon juice and capers, bring brand-new flavors to this pasta. Adding tomato wedges and string green beans to your plate helps make this easy, healthy recipe even more nutritious and fresh tasting.

13 of 25

Ranchero Shrimp

Ranchero Shrimp in cast-iron skillet with side of rice, tortillas, and cilantro
Carson Downing

This saucy shrimp recipe is great for serving over rice, wrapped in a tortilla, or tossed in a salad. To make, sauté shrimp in a skillet or trusty wok with peppers, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Finish with a big squeeze of lime juice and fresh cilantro.

14 of 25

Spicy Shrimp Tom Yum Soup

Spicy Shrimp Tom Yum Soup
Blaine Moats

This hot and sour shrimp soup recipe originated in Thailand and is filled with the spicy flavors of chile peppers. Cool things down with fresh lemongrass, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and Keffir lime leaves.

15 of 25

Air-Fryer Panko Coconut Shrimp

coconut shrimp on white plate with cup of dipping sauce
Carson Downing

You can make the crispiest coconut shrimp without a dip in the deep fryer! Your air fryer cooks colossal coconut shrimp to crunchy perfection in just 10 minutes. Using coconut milk and coconut oil in the coating brings out even more tropical flavor. Serve this coconut shrimp recipe on its own or toss it into salads or tacos.

16 of 25

Air-Fryer Shrimp "Boil"

air-fryer-shrimp-boil-RU351017
Jason Donnelly

You don't need to stand over a boiling pot to create a Cajun-style feast. This take on a classic shrimp boil cooks right in your air fryer. Plenty of seafood seasoning and cayenne pepper ensures each bite of this shrimp boil recipe is filled with flavor.

17 of 25

Lemon-Pepper Air-Fryer Shrimp and Veggies

Lemon-Pepper Air-Fryer Shrimp and Veggies
Jason Donnelly

Serve this lemon shrimp recipe over rice, pasta, quinoa, or potatoes. We used zucchini and carrots to round out the dish but feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables.

18 of 25

Herb-Roasted Shrimp

Herb-Roasted Shrimp
Blaine Moats

This shrimp appetizer recipe is topped with a homemade succotash that's loaded with corn, green onions, and fresh herbs. It's a great start to customize as you like. As one BHG home cook shares, "We enjoyed this as a full meal rather than as appetizers. I would suggest adding more herbs to the shrimp, and cooking at a higher temperature (adjusting time as needed) to get the full effect of roasting. Nonetheless, we enjoyed this a lot."

19 of 25

Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple-Avocado Salsa

overhead view of five shrimp tacos with salsa on parchment paper
Carson Downing

This is the shrimp taco recipe you've been looking for and a few things set it apart from the rest. We're topping crispy coconut shrimp with a homemade pineapple and avocado salsa and finishing the dish with crunchy spiced cashews.

20 of 25

Shrimp Con Queso

cast iron skillet with shrimp topped with cheese and cilantro
Adam Albright

Shrimp and cheese may sound like an unusual pairing but it's delicious. Shredded Chihuahua cheese melts into gooey cheese-pull perfection over plump, garlicky shrimp. Serve the shrimp skillet over seasoned black beans.

21 of 25

Thai Shrimp and Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Rice

Thai Shrimp and Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Rice
Carson Downing

This shrimp lettuce wrap recipe packs 26 grams of protein per serving. In addition to the shrimp, fill each lettuce cup with rice, cucumbers, and plenty of fresh herbs.

22 of 25

Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits
Blaine Moats

A few things elevate this shrimp and grits recipe. Country ham and fresh lemon juice add flavor and brightness to the sauce. Stovetop grits cooked with bay leaf and hot sauce make the perfect base.

23 of 25

Pumpkin-Shrimp Bisque

two bowls of Pumpkin-Shrimp Bisque with toasted bread
Jacob Fox

This shrimp soup recipe is ultra creamy thanks to canned pumpkin and heavy cream. Add the shrimp 2-3 minutes before serving to ensure they're perfectly cooked and not tough.

24 of 25

Shrimp Spring Rolls with Chimichurri

Shrimp Spring Rolls with Chimichurri Sauce
Rebekah Molloy

If you've been intimidated by the thought of rolling shrimp spring rolls at home, this recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step. Our Test Kitchen even includes how-to for making the recipe ahead.

25 of 25

Bucatini with Shrimp and Spicy Cherry Tomato Pan Sauce

Bucatini with Shrimp and Spicy Cherry Tomato Pan Sauce

This shrimp pasta recipe will become part of your weeknight rotation. Sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and shrimp make a flavorful pasta toss that's ready in just 30 minutes.

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